Dated February 13, 1998
[Scene: A night in March, 4277, a day or two after Leila's breakdown at the Light. Stormy's room. Stormy enters and sprawls on her bed with a groan.]
Kerrigan, looking idly out the window, turns. "Hullo. --You all right?"
Stormy nods, burying her face in the pillow. "Yeah, " comes her muffled voice, "just sore."
Kerrigan's eyebrows go up. "Yeah?" He goes to sit on the bed near her.
Stormy sighs and swings her feet in the air. "Yeah, I lifted a big pail wrong or somethin'."
Kerrigan makes a face. "Moira got you doing hard labor now?" This wryly teasing, without accusation. "Back hurts, I suppose."
Stormy nods and twists, trying to stretch her back. "Yeah. I guess I shoulda left the thing."
Kerrigan reaches out. "Here, let me. Next time ask someone to help, for crying out loud."
Stormy glances up at him, then lays still. "Thanks, Kerri-kun. Next time I'll come jus find ya ta lift stuff." She grins.
Kerrigan grins. "Good, you do that." His hands start to work at her shoulders. "Can't have you straining yourself, now can we?"
Stormy groans loudly and shifts under his hands. "Mmmmm, that feels damn good."
Kerrigan grunts, not displeased. "Ought to. It's one thing I can do."
Stormy groans again, "Mmmm, you should open a massage parlor."
Kerrigan chuckles. "That'd be a sight to see."
Stormy grins and shifts again. "Just think, ya could give all the young women massages."
Kerrigan laughs outright, pausing for a moment. "What an incentive! I can just see it."
Stormy wiggles and protests, "Hey! Don't stop, Kerri-kun!"
Kerrigan grins. "Sorry." He resumes, moving downward along her spine. "So what did you do today, besides break your back?"
Stormy sighs happily and groans again. "Mmmmm, jus' worked all day. Zelda had the day off."
Kerrigan snorts. "Left you to mind the store, eh?"
Stormy nods and arches her back up slightly. "Yuppers. Mmmmmm..." She grins suddenly. "I suppose ya like this outfit even less, huh?"
[Stormy wears form-hugging overalls of blue denim, fastened with shiny brass buttons, over a brightly polka-dotted jersey. The pocket of her overalls sports an embroidered rose.]
Kerrigan chuckles. "It's cute."
Stormy stretches under his hands again. "Kami... Ya have exactly four hours to cut that out."
Kerrigan pauses again. "Eh?"
Stormy kicks a foot. "Don't stop!! I mean don't stop!"
Kerrigan obliges, persisting, "Cut what out?"
Stormy groans happily. "What yer doin'. I was tryin' ta make a joke. Ya have four hours ta quit rubbin' my back. But it ain't funny, now." She half laughs, half groans.
Kerrigan snorts. "Mmm-- right."
Stormy sighs as the muscles in her back relax, then she grins. "What's it like outside?"
Kerrigan mmms. "Foggy as hell. Muggy."
Stormy wiggles away and sits up. She reaches out and grabs his hand, giving it a tug. "Come on, let's go out."
Kerrigan looks bemused. "Hey! --Right now?"
Stormy nods and grins. "Why not? Now that I can move again." She gives him a coy, pleading look. "Come on Kerri-kun, we'll go find some fun."
Kerrigan snorts and shakes his head. In just the past few days his smile, with Stormy, has become less mocking and almost fond. "All right, all right."
Stormy grabs her green coat and shrugs it on, grinning. "Come on, let's.. whats the expression? Paint the town red?"
Kerrigan chuckles. "I haven't heard that one."
Stormy giggles and tosses her hair back. "Wow, I'd think ya would've heard 'em all at your age." She grins and slips out.
In the lobby, Stormy clatters rather noisily down the stairs, waves to Mei, and bounds out.
Kerrigan follows her, amused at her enthusiasm.
[Spice Street comes to an end where it meets Dock Street down at the very edge of the water. As the street runs downhill, so does the neighborhood. The sun has set now, and the long side of the street opposite the harbour is lined with lit torches. The world is dark and foggy. Everything is half-hidden, nothing clearly seen. It almost feels as if you walk through some otherworld. It's cool and the air feels damp and still.]
Stormy grins and twirls about in the middle of the street. "I like foggy nights. They're so.. mysterious."
Kerrigan snorts. "Yeah, until you trip and fall on your face."
Stormy just grins. "Then ya pick yerself up and dance some more."
Kerrigan grins crookedly at her. He says, half to himself, "You're a funny kid."
Stormy snorts and heads down the street. "I told ya not ta call me that."
Kerrigan protests, "For crying out loud! It's a figure of speech."
Stormy pauses to stick her tongue out at him. "Pah. Wanna go look at the boats?"
Kerrigan waves a hand. "Sure."
Stormy grins and sprints off, "Keep up if ya can, old man."
[Southport Dock: The worn boards creak slightly underfoot, the dock old but still sturdy. A section of the dock, near the middle of the western edge, has been roped off, the flooring there too old and rotted to support much weight. Seagulls call overhead, wheeling and swooping, following the fisherman out to sea, congregating where the boats rest and upon the barnacle covered rocks at low tide. Fishing boats, darkened by years of exposure to the elements, bump lightly against the docks, bobbing in the waters. The creak of wood against wood is continual, as the dock shifts about and the boats rub against one another. Looking out across the water, you can see that the tide is up. The narrow strip of sand at the base of the quayside is covered.]
Kerrigan darts after her. "You brat!"
Stormy giggles and dashes down the dock. "Ya could never catch me!"
Kerrigan is right behind her. "The hell!" He makes a grab at her, trying to snag her by the overall strap.
Stormy squeals as he nabs her, then swings around trying to twist the strap from his grip.
Kerrigan laughs. "Teach you to make remarks!"
Leila steps onto the dock.
Kerrigan has Stormy by the overalls and is laughing at her as if he hasn't a care in the world.
Leila wanders onto the dock, looking towards what she believes is a couple. She tilts her head through the thick fog, trying to see who it is.
Stormy squeals again and twists the other way, trying to get the strap of her overalls from Kerrigan's grasp. "Lemmie go!" She giggles, not really struggling too hard.
Leila recognizes the voice, and for once not in the mood for a confrontation, tries to make her way to the opposite side of the dock, spying on the ships, as though she never heard Stormy.
Kerrigan chuckles, shaking her a bit. "You little snip." He glances over at the creaking of the planks.
Stormy peers through the fog at the other person on the dock. "Lemmie go, Kerri-kun, people are gonna stare."
Leila halts on her tracks, turning towards the voice, truly surprised. Of course, she isn't sure. Nor is she sure what to do. But after all, she is Leila and all she said earlier doesn't apply to them, so she says with a smirk dripping through her voice, "Well, I'll be damned."
Kerrigan releases Stormy so abruptly that if she's struggling still she's apt to fall down. He turns, suddenly white.
Stormy goes to pull away, just as he lets go, and she squeals as she topples rather ungracefully to the dock.
Leila lifts her chin, a smirk on her lips. "Have you both sought comfort in each other after being put aside by the Hathorne house? Really, Kerrigan, to give up without a fight. I'm ashamed for you."
Kerrigan snaps, jarred by this, "Dammit, it's not like that."
Leila smirks wider as Kerrigan bites the bait. "Aye? Nay, Kerrigan, I'm happy for you. After all, it gets the whore off my back."
Stormy scowls up at Leila. "Shut the hell up, Leila! Ya leave him alone!"
Leila shakes her head, amused. "What's he gonna do? Hit me?" She lifts her brows at the challenge.
Kerrigan takes a stride forward. "Dammit, Leila. What the hell do you care, eh? What the hell d'you care? You pitched me out. The lady," with emphasis, "took me in. What the hell business is it of yours?"
Leila puts up her hands, to prove herself innocent, "Did you mistake my amusement for caring, dearest Kerrigan? I merely find the situation quite entertaining."
Stormy scrambles back to her feet, giving Kerrigan a baleful look for not helping her up. "'Sides, I jus' might sock ya one again." She grins. "Not like ya could hit me back. The size ya are now, ya'd never catch me."
Leila laughs, "Aye, indeed. Garrick would love you for that."
Kerrigan's face tightens. "Gods damn you, Leila Fey. You just can't friggin' live without making trouble."
Stormy blinks at Leila's words, that one hurt.
Leila shrugs, lifting up her hands. "I was just taking a nice stroll. I believe you two were the ones making the ruckus." She grins her sweetest to Stormy. "Aye, I suppose I couldn't. Carrying one's baby is quite a trial in itself. I'm sure you wouldn't know." Her tone is sympathetic.
Kerrigan goes on quickly. "Now I don't care what you say to me, you've already said it all, but you damned well leave her alone, hear me?"
Leila leans her head forward, peering at Kerrigan. "Is that... caring I hear in your tone?"
Stormy snarls back, trying not to show how stung she is. "It's jus' fortunate that ya were able ta get pregnant at all, at yer age."
Leila's laughter bubbles up. "Aye, I suppose it was. What luck I've got." She makes a pouting face at Kerrigan. "Unlike our luckless soldier here."
Kerrigan's jaw clenches convulsively as he bites back a vicious retort. All he says, after a brief pause, is, "Run along home, Leila."
Stormy just can't win tonight. She wraps her arms around herself and turns away.
Leila nods. "Aye, aye. And tell Garrick the good news. Stormy's found herself a beau!"
Stormy stiffens, then stalks over and takes Kerrigan's hand, curling herself against his side. "That's right, Leila. Why don't ya waddle back under yer rock, and leave us be. We wanna be alone."
Kerrigan scowls at Leila. "Yeah, he'll like that. You two going to teach the brat to be nasty to people who love her, too? Like both of you?"
Leila clutches her heart, "Please, the insults!"
Stormy pokes Kerrigan. "... baka!"
"Shut up, baka!"
Stormy scowls again, then reaches up and grabs the front of Kerrigan's shirt, trying to yank him down to her level.
Leila puts on her best mocking sympathetic voice. "I do believe, Kerrigan, that you are jealous. Really, though, couldn't you buck up and act like a man about it? Call Garrick out. That is, of course, if you won't run away or need me to save yourself."
Kerrigan winces at Stormy, and catches her hand almost without looking. He glares at Leila. "Dammit, you just can't leave well enough alone, can you?"
Leila throws her hands wide. "As I said, I was just taking a stroll when I heard the chatter of a lovely young couple."
Stormy shakes her head. "Jus' ignore her, Kerri-kun. Come on, let's go somewhere else."
Kerrigan's hand clenches over Stormy's. He knows it's good advice, but when has he ever been able to ignore Leila?
Leila grins sweetly again. "Do run along, Kerrigan. Don't keep the little woman waiting."
Stormy says, "Damnit, Leila! Do ya gotta make everyone ya meet miserable? Garry-chan must be the unhappiest guy in the Port!"
Leila lifts her brows at Stormy. "Aye, well, I don't know about that. Didn't he look damn happy when he came home... Kerrigan?"
Kerrigan chokes off, for Stormy's sake, an acid remark about Garrick's feelings. "Sure. He's probably waiting up for you. Why don't you just get the hell out of here and go back to him?"
Leila shrugs airily. "I would suspect he's sleeping by now. And I thought I might like a bit of fresh air myself."
Stormy presses close against Kerrigan's side, trembling slightly. "Damn ya, Leila." She hisses, "Jus' leave us the hell alone."
Kerrigan's arm goes about Stormy's shoulders, but he says nothing, there being nothing to add.
Leila makes a wide, sweeping gesture. "With pleasure! After all, I figure a nice couple such as yourselves would like to spend some time," a catty grin, "alone."
Kerrigan barks, "Dammit, Leila! Enough is enough!"
Leila puts up her hands. "Really, Kerrigan, no one is shouting but yourself."
Kerrigan retorts, "At least I'm not being a vicious bitch. Get the hell out of here."
Stormy closes her eyes and turns her head away, hiding her face against Kerrigan. "Jus' go 'way," she says muffledly.
Leila grins winningly at Kerrigan. "Such flattery will get you nowhere, dear."
"Dammit, get out!"
Leila puts her hand out. "Oh dear, did that touch a nerve?" With concern on her face.
Stormy shudders, gritting her teeth to keep herself from trying to sock Leila in the jaw.
Kerrigan's voice is low and level, with a slight tremor from the effort of keeping it that way. "Leila, shut up and turn around and get off this dock and leave us alone. Or I won't be responsible for what happens."
Leila shakes her head, tsking. "It really wouldn't be wise, Kerrigan."
Kerrigan almost laughs. "Is that a threat, Leila Fey? What'll you do to me, eh? Sit on me?"
Leila laughs herself. "Nay, nay, of course not." She laughs for a while. "Of course, I can't be responsible for Garrick."
Stormy turns her head to glare at Leila. "Damnit! Do ya gotta push an' push till people snap? Jus' fuck off, Leila!"
Leila grins terribly wide. "Nay, of course not. I was just taking a walk."
Kerrigan scowls. "Then you can take it somewhere else."
Leila shrugs, still grinning. "Aye, and so can you."
Stormy says rather childishly, "We were here first!"
Leila grins, shaking her head. "I expected no less from you, Stormy."
Kerrigan's arm tightens around Stormy, either to steady himself or to restrain her. "Gods of hell, Leila! What is it you want?"
Leila puts a hand to her lower back discreetly. "I only wanted to look at the water. And the ship, of course."
Stormy shakes her head again. "Kerri-kun, lets jus go. 'Kay?" Her voice is somewhat shrill from her anger.
Leila offers her hands palm up in a shrug and says, "If I was agitating you so, you would leave. I do believe you enjoy it, Kerrigan dear."
It takes a great effort for Kerrigan not to resist, not to say that Leila can damned well go herself. But he does it. He takes a deep breath. "All right, Stormy. All right." The look he gives Leila is venomous, but he doesn't say anything to her.
Leila grins, triumphantly, as if it were a game. Perhaps it is a game to her.
Stormy takes Kerrigan's hand, clutching it tightly. "Give it another month, Leila. Then I won't jus' take this from ya." She tugs his hand. "Let's go home, Kerri-kun."
Leila grins toothily at Stormy, "I'll be counting the days."
Kerrigan's hand closes tightly over Stormy's. Without looking again at Leila, he starts for the street.
Stormy makes a rude gesture to Leila with her free hand, and stalks off.
Leila laughs loudly, "Nice seeing you, too, Stormy dear."
Back on Dock Street, Kerrigan walks quickly as if to get as far from Leila as fast as possible.
Stormy looks like she might scream as she stalks along at his side.
Stormy yanks open the door [of the Inn], letting it bang against the wall.
Kerrigan catches the door and follows her in.
MeiLing looks up and smiles shyly.
Stormy nods curtly to Mei, then swings around to face Kerrigan. "Ya want a drink before we go upstairs?"
Kerrigan rakes a sha king hand through his hai r. "I wouldn't mind."
Stormy nods and slams her way into the dining room. She growls under her breath as she goes behind the bar. She bangs glasses around, almost breaking one. "What do ya want ta drink?"
Kerrigan reaches across the bar to catch her wrist. "Hey."
Stormy pauses and looks up at him, her wrist shaking in his grasp. "Kerri-kun... Kami... that was..."
Kerrigan is pale, tense, but he meets her eyes. "I know. I know. She's a vicious, hateful bitch... Take it easy. Catch your breath."
Stormy closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, then lets it out shakily [, a] few tears slipping down her cheeks.
Kerrigan breathes, "Ah, hell," and looks away briefly. He reaches up to brush at the tears.
Stormy makes a choked sound and presses her cheek against his fingers for a moment, then pulls away. "I'm sorry... I jus'... She can cut ya right to the bone."
Kerrigan winces. "I know... Damn her. She has no friggin' right--"
Stormy thumps a tiny fist on the bar, then wraps her arms around herself. "And ta think I used ta like her. Wanted ta be like her."
Kerrigan sighs, and runs a hand through his hair again. "Yeah... C'mere and sit down."
Stormy steps out from behind the bar and sinks down onto a stool. "I was happy," she murmurs. "Fer a bit there. Weren't you?"
Kerrigan nods, almost embarrassed to admit it. "Yeah." He looks at her for a moment, as she sits there small and forlorn, and on a sudden impulse puts his arm around her again.
Stormy sighs and leans against him, closing her eyes. "At least I got you, Kerri-kun. Yer my only friend, yer all I got."
Kerrigan stares. It's probable no one's ever told him that. He swallows, and pats her shoulder. "Hell," he says awkwardly, "a sweet kid like you?"
Stormy shakes her head, her dark hair falling over her shoulders. "No. Not many people bother ta get ta know ya when ya do... what I used ta do." She lifts a small hand and swipes at her eyes. "Yer all I got. Till you leave me too." She adds, "And I ain't a kid."
Kerrigan's brows draw together in a frown of sympathy. He strokes her hair, hesitantly, with his free hand. "Who said I was leaving?" he says gruffly.
Stormy makes a soft, pained sound. "Everyone leaves, sooner or later. Or they get taken from ya." She bites her lip, looking up at him. "I'm sorry... I don't mean ta be so... down."
Kerrigan sighs. "Not your fault. It's that damn woman... I won't leave till you tell me to, Stormy. Promise."
A hesitant hope enters her eyes, as she gazes into his. "Kerri-kun... thanks... That means a lot ta me. Ya..." She blushes a bit. "...mean a lot to me."
Kerrigan ducks his head, unable to meet that statement face on. "You're a nice girl," he mutters, which is inadequate, but the best he can do.
Stormy sighs and reaches out to touch his chin. "Kerri-kun, yer a hell of a great guy. No matter what she says."
Kerrigan is stunned. He says nothing for a full minute, standing very still as if he'll break if he moves. Finally he says huskily, "We better get to bed." Only after that can he bring himself to look at her, and there is a kind of wonder in his eyes.
Stormy smiles again, ahh the resilience of youth. "Yeah, let's get to bed." She slides off the stool and offers him her hand.
Kerrigan takes her hand almost shyly, half smiling.
Stormy curls her fingers warmly about his, and tugs him toward the door. She waves a goodnight to Mei, then heads up the stairs, amazingly, starting to hum softly.
Upstairs, Stormy swings open the door, and smiles up at him again. "Home sweet home."
Kerrigan half grins. "Yeah."
Stormy tugs him inside.
[Stormy's Room:]
Stormy squeezes Kerrigan's hand, then lets go and moves to the bed. "I think I could sleep fer a week after tonight."
Kerrigan yawns. "I believe it." He drops gracefully to the makeshift pallet by the window.
Stormy blows him a kiss, then sprawls into the bed. After a moment she says, "Kerri-kun... ya can sleep in the bed if ya want ta. I trust ya."
Kerrigan pauses. An odd expression crosses his face; bemused, touched, a little shy. "Thanks," he says roughly. "I... I'm all right."
Stormy nods and kicks her boots off, curling up on her side. "'Kay. G'night, Kerri-kun, sweet dreams." She yawns herself, then burrows into the blankets, closing her eyes.
Kerrigan murmurs, "Night."